Abstract: AIM: To explore the expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in infarcted myocardial tissue in rats at different periods after myocardial infarction and its relationship to the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) so as to provide reliable basis for cellular transplantation. METHODS: SDF-1 expression was measured by RT-PCR in different organs and the infarcted hearts at different postoperative times. The migratory ability of MSC to the supernatants of the infracted area was evaluated through double-chamber transwell culture plates. RESULTS: Myocardial SDF-1 expression was significantly increased and peaked at the second day and remained at the high level for about 2 weeks. MSCs migrating toward infarcted myocardial tissue supernatant showed the same time course as that of SDF-1 expression, and migrating MSCs were significantly inhibited by the inhibitor of CXCR4, the receptor of SDF-1. CONCLUSION: Myocardial SDF-1 expression increases in the early phase post-MI and remains at a high level for a short period, which may play an important role in chemoattracting the transplanted cells to the infarcted tissue.